Farnham 24 - Old Cranleighans 11

We had joy, we had fun, we had Rugby in the sun, was the anthem of a massive crowd at Wrecclesham this Saturday to support and celebrate the last first team game at the present club. An early start in aid of a President’s lunch and gallons of Pimms saw a crowd approaching 400 at the ground, all there to support the club and celebrate 40 years of Farnham’s heritage.
Emotional speeches from present and past Presidents and Chairmen were met with nodding approval and loud raptures of applause. In Particular a lovely few words from Charles McAdam, and a tribute to past players and efforts from Geoff Bond, warmed up the ever swelling crowds. Present supremo Geoff Robbins, who’s 12 year ordeal of moving is now over was warmly applauded for his efforts and great leadership. The Pimms was being drunk, which helped the atmosphere build, not surprising seeing that the old recipe of a bottle of Pimms to a bottle of Vodka was being used to pickle the fruit. Anyway a fantastic turnout by all ,to fondly wish goodbye to the old ground and welcome the new move. The post will be carried in traditional style through the town, with Farnham’s carnival this year.
Anyway as 3.00 moved nearer the crowd spread along the top bank to support out latest crop of talent .They did not have to wait long as Old Cranleighans, the league leaders kicked the game off. Early pressure from Old Cs left some of the crowd, not regular viewers of the team suitably worried. Notable in the early skirmishes was some superb tackling from centre James Corlett, with people in the crowd reminiscing of the Francis brothers, Adrian standing next to me was not so sure. After a cutting move at speed Gabe Hills went into touch 8m out from their line. The resulting lineout was won and the Farnham pack drove at speed over the line with Tom Foster doing the job at the back and touching down. Chris Penn narrowly missed the conversion from wide out.
The speed from Farnham continued from the Kick off as the ball was span down the line at such speed, the old boys in the crowd were left gasping, Chas Penn made the break and fed to speedster Gabe Hills to run in an easy try for him. Chris Penn then back to kicking form converted, and 20 mins into the game we were 12-0 up, to the crowds delight.
The Farnham pack who looked under pressure to start with were showing what they were made of with an copy cat move from earlier. A great lineout and catch followed by a 15m rolling maul saw Tom Foster go over for his second try of the game. The constant pressure from Old Cs continued, culminating in a penalty to end the half. This was missed to great applause from the still growing crowd, who had adopted the oppo ‘s scrum half to their hearts with many cries about beards. 19-0 saw the half time whistle.
The second half saw another Penalty from the visitors, this time straight through the uprights. Again huge scrum pressure from Old Cs saw the Farnham pack often in reverse gear, no 8 Pete Daly had to pick up some balls whilst almost jogging backwards. Finally the pressure turned to points with further indiscretions from the home team, and another penalty was kicked by the visitors. The pressure was still being applied and as by script, from a driving maul Old Cs crossed the line, the conversion was missed to the joy of the crowd.
Half way through the second half Francis Meagher was brought on to replace double try scorer Tim Foster, who had an impressive game. Fellow flanker Deane Chiverton was also having a superb game tackling and ripping balls all over the pitch.
The end of the match was nearing, with Farnham having a quiet half but on almost time Farnham won a good attacking scrum and Chris Penn span the ball wide ending with the inevitable try for brother Chas. The conversion was missed, but after 13 from 13 last week, you would need a short memory to be critical.
The whistle blew two minutes later to cheers that were allegedly heard in the town centre, and Farnham had a memorable win 24-11. More importantly the prospect of Division One rugby next year, and who knows how far this current bunch of young gladiators can go.
Champagne was flowing after the match with Holland Sports donating bottles for Man of the Match, deservedly won by Deane Chiverton, and Chris Penn for his masterly control of the game. A fantastic day of Rugby and a great tribute to Farnham Rugby’s longevity. Thanks go out to David Gill for organising the event and especially to Steve Hopper for his efforts with drinks and food.
As a footnote to those who enjoyed a great day, those old blast from the past, names that were only memories, and those old faces from younger days. Come and enjoy yourselves at the new club house and watch even better rugby than the thirds played in that great season of 93.
Toby Comley and the Boys, Thanks for the spectacle, the old crowd loved it, and only Mort could pass at that speed of either hand.